[Hyperthermic-antiblastic isolation perfusion for advanced melanoma of the limbs. The technic, immediate results and a review of the literature].

Hyperthermic antiblastic isolated perfusion is a method largely used for the treatment of locally advanced limb melanoma. The method requires vascular isolation and hyperthermic perfusion of the limb using an extracorporeal circuit and administering the melphalan as antiblastic drug. Twenty-six patients with primary or recurrent melanoma of the limbs have undergone this treatment at our Institute. There were no cases of operative mortality and systemic toxicity was negligible. The local complications were transitory and no patient showed symptoms of nervous toxicity or permanent functional damage. Two cases of deep thrombophlebitis and two of lymphocele were documented a few months after treatment. Four clinically complete responses, 3 partial and 2 cases of stable disease were observed in the 9 patients treated with unexcised lesions. Our data like the totality of the present experience points to the safety of this method in the therapy of locally advanced limb melanoma. Nevertheless further controlled studies are required to define its role in order to improve survival.